Beshear warns Kentuckians to prepare for winter storm

PRESSRELEASE: Governor Steve Beshear warned Kentuckians to prepare for heavy snows, poor driving conditions, flooding and possible power outages as another strong winter storm bears down on the Commonwealth.

“Even though the predicted snowfalls vary, it’s clear that this winter storm will pack another wallop,” said Gov. Beshear. “The potential for hazardous travel is high, because the rain prevents road crews from pre-treating highways with brine. Stay tuned to local weather forecasts and make sure your home is stocked with emergency supplies.”

A strong weather system bringing a combination of heavy rain, snow and sleet is forecast. Rains will soak areas throughout most of the state today. As temperatures drop, rain will change to sleet and freezing rain, followed by snow. The National Weather Service projects 8-10 inches of snow much of the state.

Melting snow from the most recent storm, combined with heavy rains today and more snow and freezing temperatures tonight, create the potential for emergencies such as flooding, slides, rock falls, downed trees and ice, among others.

Drivers are urged to be alert to changing road conditions as this storm continues.

Gov. Beshear has directed Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to make necessary preparations for response as soon as snow and sleet begin to fall.

KYEM is ready to assist counties with any emergency needs, and KYTC crews are poised to begin plowing roads throughout the state. The Governor will remain in close contact with state agencies and will monitor local emergency reports to determine if a new statewide emergency declaration will be necessary.

A statewide emergency declaration does not create mandatory closings for schools or businesses. Kentuckians should monitor local media for announcements of school or work closings. Employees should consult their employers’ policies regarding inclement weather for guidance on attendance or leave time.

“If you can stay off the roads, please do so. Our road crews are ready to clear the roads, but the job is faster and easier if the roads are empty,” said Gov. Beshear. “Most of all, please check on your neighbors and the elderly to make sure folks are safe and warm as the storm comes through.”

Nick Storm

Nick Storm is the Anchor and Managing Editor of Pure Politics available exclusively on Spectrum News. Pure Politics is the only nightly program dedicated to Kentucky politics. Nick covers all of the political heavyweights and his investigative work brings to light issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, like his coverage of the backlog of DNA rape kits waiting to be tested in Kentucky. Nick is also working on a feature length bio documentary Outlaw Poet: A documentary on Ron Whitehead. Pure Politics airs weeknight at 7 and 11:30 on Spectrum News. Follow Nick on Twitter @NStorm_Politics. Nick can be reached at 502-792-1107 or nicholas.storm@charter.com.